Paramount Licensing Boss Dan Cohen Exiting Ahead Of Skydance Merger

Dan Cohen, Chief Content Licensing Officer at Paramount, is leaving the company after eight years.

Cohen’s departure comes as the company’s merger with David Ellison’s Skydance is set to close next month.

Cohen, who is also President of Republic Pictures, informed colleagues of his exit in a note, seen by Deadline.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me as the journey we’ve shared has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” he wrote. (Read the full note below.)

As Chief Content Licensing Officer, Cohen was responsible for selling Paramount-produced content to international broadcasters and streamers around the world. On the Republic Pictures side, he revived the film studio as Paramount’s acquisition label, releasing titles including Blackberry, William Friedkin’s final film The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and The Greatest Night in Pop.

He joined the company in 2017 as President of Worldwide Television Licensing, after spending 20 years working at Disney.

Cohen is the latest senior executive to leave the company ahead of the deal closing. Paramount co-CEO Chris McCarthy revealed he was also leaving ahead of the merger.

While international distribution, particularly on the TV side, has reduced in importance since the streaming boom, the division has always provided healthy financials to the parent company. Skydance will likely hire someone to oversee this side of the business once the deal closes.

Here’s Cohen’s note to staff.

Hi team,

I’m writing to share some personal news. After much reflection, I have decided to step away from my role as Chief Content Licensing Officer of Paramount and President of Republic Pictures. This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me as the journey we’ve shared has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career.

Over the last 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the most talented and dedicated individuals in the industry. Together, we’ve navigated a constantly evolving media landscape, forged groundbreaking deals and brought incredible stories to audiences around the world. We’ve built meaningful relationships that have driven real value for our company and our clients, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. I know you’ll continue to carry this important work forward with the same enthusiasm and excellence.

My last day will be this Friday, and I am working with our senior leadership to ensure a smooth transition. As we move toward the anticipated close of the Skydance merger, I expect there will be clarity on the future leadership structure.

Thank you for your support and teamwork – it has truly been an honor to lead this team. I look forward to cheering you on – be it under the umbrellas of Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount Home Entertainment, or Republic Pictures – as you continue to shape the future of content and entertainment.

With gratitude,
Dan

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